Legislative Process and Parliamentary Procedure

Legislative actions of the assemblies are most typically drafted as Resolutions. The process for developing a resolution has several steps, allowing for engaging key stakeholders and soliciting community input, and should take some time prior to coming to the assembly for a vote.

Resolutions 101: From Concept to the Floor

Develop the initiative/topic that you want to address

Search for any legislative history surrounding the issue

Review website actions archives

Solicit feedback from your assembly and your constituents

Draft your initial resolution

Solicit an Assembly member to sponsor your resolution if you are not a voting member

Parliamentary Procedure refers to the procedures for debate and general conduct of business of the Assemblies during meetings and other operations. In all matters not specifically described in their governing documents, the assemblies follow Roberts Rules of Order, latest edition.

At its heart, Parliamentary Procedure is the rule of the majority with respect for the minority. Its object is to allow organizations to debate and reach group decisions—usually by vote—with the least possible friction.

Robert's Rules of Order

Originally published in 1876 by US Army Brigadier General Henry Martyn Robert after a bad experience leading a church meeting, these procedures are loosely modeled after those used in the United States House of Representatives. The intention is not to waste time with excessive formality, rather to ensure everyone gets a fair opportunity to speak, since some issues may be contentious,.
This is the fallback policy for situations not addressed or ambiguously addressed in other governing documents of the assemblies.